Crime & Safety
Former FL Prison Guard Indicted For Sexually Abusing Inmate: DOJ
Authorities have accused the former sports specialist of "engaging in sexual acts" with an inmate in federal custody.
TALLAHASSEE, FL — A former Florida correctional officer accused of sexually abusing an inmate was indicted by a federal grand jury on Thursday, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Lenton Jerome Hatten, 54, of Tallahassee, is charged with one count of sexual abuse of an individual in federal custody after authorities said he "engaged in sexual acts" with an inmate while employed as a sports specialist for the Bureau of Prisons.
According to the indictment, the alleged abuse took place between October 2021 and August 2022.
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Hatten made his initial appearance in federal court Thursday. His trial is scheduled to start June 5 at the U.S. Courthouse in Tallahassee.
If convicted, Hatten faces up to 15 years in federal prison, a lifetime of supervised release, and a possible $250,000 fine.
Find out what's happening in Across Floridafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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